One of the things in my bucket list is to see the cherry blossoms in Japan or Korea. Thanks to COVID-19, I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. Thankfully, there is a variant of Cherry Blossoms in the Philippines (aka balayong). These are the Palawan ones (Cassia nodosa x Palawan Cherry) and we have some of these trees here in Ormoc City.

🌸 Cherry blossom season is fleeing; the beautiful burst of white and pink Sakura blossom erupts just as quickly as it returns to dormancy, allowing only a span of 3 to 4 weeks for us to enjoy their beauty. Despite the fear that runs rampant at present, they are a lovely reminder that we should enjoy life because it is fleeting. That’s what makes it so beautiful. So, go out there and appreciate the air, the sunshine, and the blossom. 🌸

It’s pretty fun to see them bloom once a year. They might not be as scenic as the ones from other countries, but here’s hoping they’ll plant more of these here so we get an abundance of blooms each summer. Those ones above can be found just behind the Ormoc Doctor’s Hospital, while the one below is in my sister-in-law’s front yard.

So, I just flipped a new page and added another chapter in my life. I’m grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Life is like being on a swing: ups and downs but always a good time! 

The rope reminds us there’s always hope. When you’re up, you know you’ll get low. So, keep pushing yourself forward to rise again! Happy birthday, self!

I did beauty blogging as a hobby at first after giving birth and I felt like doing something different (or probably it was my way of coping up with postpartum stuff). So, I took the whole beauty thing seriously and became a pro at it after I helped organize a Personal Makeup Workshop by a good friend of mine, Jessa Horca, who is a really good makeup artist from Ormoc City but was Cebu-based back then. This happened in 2013.

From then on, it was a whirlwind of makeup for www.bastaigatsikat.com, my previous blog that was dedicated to beauty and other reviews. I worked with major brands and did honest reviews for products I bought myself to try and wrote feedbacks and recommendations. Then big brands from the beauty industry took notice and PR people started contacting me especially having been a part of the now-defunct Nuffnang Gliteratti bloggers in the Philippines. Basically, I became a guinea pig of sorts. Don’t get me wrong as I loved every minute of it! Then I hosted my own personal workshops and advocated that beauty is self-confidence applied directly to the face!

I also had the fabulous opportunity to be a part of Avon's Makeup Council and I flew up to Manila for a workshop with Lauren Andersen, who is the MUA of Madonna, Jessica Alba, Ginnifer Goodwin, and many other Hollywood stars, Here's a screenshot of my old blog featuring that event.

As with all things, the learning never stops and I also had a chance to attend Tita Fanny Serrano's workshop! Yayyy!!! It was such a blessing because even though I loved wearing Mac, it also broke me out and I had some reactions to some of their products. FS Cosmetics is geared towards Filipinas and honestly, I prefer using it over "imported" or US brands. Mas hiyang ako!

Aside from learning how to apply makeup properly, doing those countless reviews allowed me to do in-depth research about how cosmetics are made and their various formulations. Since no two individuals have the same skin and even if we got the same skin type, we all react differently, so it's always trial and error really. All these experiences led me to create my own brand and formulate my own skincare products because I have really troublesome skin and no amount of 10-step Korean skincare or high-end products ever did justice to me. 

Right now, I'm still continuing to experiment because it's partly due to my hormones that I haven't fully addressed yet. But so far, my very own PUGONG SA EDAD moisturizer that I formulated for my skin has been doing well for myself and some friends that have been using it as well for the past year or so. 

I have a couple more beauty and skincare products up at Savon Ormocana that are all made with love in pursuit of clean beauty, with no harsh chemicals and with natural ingredients. From lip tints to eyebrow pomade and deodorants, you can check them out for yourself and let me know what you think. If only I had enough time and money to spend for R&D, I know I'd be able to create a lot more. I actually went to DOST pre-Covid to apply for assistance and they already came to inspect my manufacturing process. I just didn't get the chance to follow that up because of travel restrictions, etc. I guess, all in God's time or when the stars align. 

Another thing to note when it comes to the pursuit of clean beauty is starting from within. Skincare and beauty products can only do so much. So, you have to look at your diet and your overall health basically. One thing that helps me especially now that I'm middle-aged is the addition of a collagen supplement. It's expensive but if you have extra to spend, why not? I'm actually using the Bloom skincare line as well and I will do a proper review about it in the coming months, so watch out for that if you're interested. 

As a beauty blogger, I learned that expensive isn't necessarily the best and the cheapest options aren't really the worst. As a consumer, you have to do your own research and look at the ingredients carefully. Just because celebrity A or influencer X is endorsing this or that, it doesn't mean it's guaranteed to work for you, too. Like I said, we all have different skin and you just need to find the one that works for you. Also, you have to consider the product's sustainability, animal cruelty/testing, as well as the eco-friendliness if you're concerned about those things as well. That's what clean beauty is all about. Choosing products that are non-toxic and use plant-based ingredients. Basically, it's safer for the people and safer for Mother Earth.

One of the reasons why I created a different blog is because I wanted a new space to demystify green beauty and detoxify my beauty routine. Ultimately, I'm here to continue writing reviews and sharing my personal experience, but I'm also hoping that I can help educate people through this platform. Remember: It's your money, so it's always your choice.

Say hello to the new Daily Essentials Enrollment Set with Sweet Aroma Diffuser for the month of April 2021! Yes, ladies and gents, you can now ditch the toxins in your common products and jumpstart your wellness lifestyle without breaking the bank today! Ain't it the sweetest deal? 

Ever since Young Living opened their market for the Philippines, they have been offering promos such as this that are targeted at people who aren't keen on splurging for the Premium Starter Kit... yet. Just remember, amazing deals and promos like this don't last long and are typically gone sooner than you think! So, GET IT NOW before it's sold out!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE & GET GOOD DEALS ON THE STARTER KIT BUNDLES.

For me, I think the Daily Essentials Kit is targeted at people who #WorkAtHome and who very much need that #WorkLifeBalance. So, this one's for us!!! Because I know for a fact that the struggle is real and that’s why we turn to the versatility of nature for an extra boost to our daily needs! 

As a work-at-home mom (and remote worker for over 14 years), I always have to get that Work-Life Balance sorted, for both my family and for my own sanity. Now, are you in need of sorting that out, too? No worries! Check out these 5 must-have essential oils that are included in the Daily Essentials Enrollment Set that will target your everyday needs:

🌿💦 R.C. 15ml - Missing fresh, clear air of the great outdoors? Place a few drops of this rejuvenating blend in your diffuser to breathe with ease or place drops on your mask before heading out!

🌿💦 Thieves 15ml - Keeping clean doesn’t need all of the unpronounceable chemical ingredients! Cleanse and purify any space from unwanted toxins with one of our most powerful cleansing blend. Infuse a few drops to your household cleansers and see the difference!

🌿💦 Peppermint 15ml - When #WorkIsLife, have Peppermint handy to banish Zoom glooms! Its cooling, focusing and energizing properties when diffused or applied topically will jolt you up to power through the day!

🌿💦 Lavender 5ml - Make your #SanaAll moments come true! Take a quality break from time to time and enjoy a sense of peace as you diffuse this relaxing oil. You can also mix this into your skin care routine to achieve that healthy #BeautyGlow that you’ve always wanted.

🌿💦 Lemon 5ml - In need of a mood booster? Take this bottle of sunshine and let its zesty drops uplift your mood any time of the day! Always remember that a happy you is a healthier you!

Reach out to me, leave a comment, or send an email and I'll gladly get back to you to help you maintain a healthy and happy Work at Home lifestyle. If you need help ordering at www.mariaoilbularya.com or if you simply need someone to talk to about oils, work, and life in general, you know where to find me and our amazing #TeamOilbularya community.

Thanks to the one-month PS Now subscription for $1 Promo, we finally got the chance to play Little Nightmares. I really wanted to play this game first before jumping to the recently released, Little Nightmares II, which is supposedly a prequel. So, it just makes sense to finish this one first. The story is really interesting and the game truly did not disappoint. 

First of all, it's the stuff nightmares are made of. As a fully functioning adult, I still don't like getting chased and in this game, you need to run away from your enemies. The adrenaline rush is real but didn't have as many jump scares as I anticipated. If you don't like cramped spaces, dark rooms, and leeches, well, good luck trying not to hyperventilate. The puzzles were not so difficult though and I was lucky that while I streamed the game, the viewers were very helpful with their comments and tips. 

Here are the gameplay videos if you're interested. I finished it with the help of the kiddos, NoodleLito and Ysrielle. How long was the Little Nightmares game? We completed it in 5.5 hours, more or less.

If this were made into a movie, I'd watch it. It actually looked like a Ghibli-inspired movie with how the characters were drawn and the background and all. Even the Nomes that scurry around reminded me of those soot sprites that carried the coals in the boiler room in Spirited Away. I bet the newer Little Nightmare II's graphics will be even better and I can't wait to play it!

The story from what I gathered (NO SPOILERS!) is that Six, the character you're playing, is trying to escape this crazy and scary place called The Maw, where you try not to get caught by monsters in the form of the long-armed Janitor, Twin Chefs, and carnivorous guests to name a few. She also has weird "hunger" pangs. Anyway, you just need to play this game so you can appreciate it, too. I do recommend playing it and finishing it in one go since it only has six chapters. Enjoy!

Please subscribe to our Youtube channel at NoodleLito's Nook and follow our page in Facebook, too! 

Summer is almost here — well, dry season to be exact in the Philippines but it's like a thousand degrees hot outside already. Although peppermint is actually my go-to oil year-round for awakening the senses and livening things up by diffusing it and adding it to my drinks, this time it's a special treat! Adults of all sizes and ages will surely love this!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Iced Candy

Author: Maria Oilbularya
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Approximately 30 iced candy pops (depending on wrapper size)

This is my favorite ice cream flavor of ALL TIME and here's how you can make it at home with the added benefits of essential oils!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups/packs heavy cream
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can condensed milk
• 30 drops of Peppermint Plus/Vitality essential oil
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• Optional: Sweetener and food coloring

Instructions:

1. Combine the coconut oil and dark chocolate chips in your double broiler or microwave. Make sure not to burn it. Set aside or place into a squeeze bottle.
2. Whip the heavy cream using a mixer.
3. Add your condensed milk.
4. Add your evaporated milk.
5. Add sweeteners or food coloring (totally optional!)
6. Add 30 drops of Peppermint Plus/Vitality essential oil.
7. Squeeze some chocolate into the iced candy wrappers.
8. Add your peppermint cream mixture into the wrapper then knot the ends tightly.

And that's all there is to it! I really love the flavor of Peppermint even though Le Husband teases me for eating "toothpaste". I like adding Peppermint to my coffee and hot chocolate, too. It helps me when I'm feeling groggy or when I feel like my tummy has too much air in it. I can tell you so many other things I use peppermint for but let's save that for another blog post. Join #TeamOilbularya and let's talk about essential oils day in and day out!

How about you? Tell me what you like using Peppermint for in the comments below! 

Good news to all our travel bugs in Ormoc City! The Lake Danao Natural Park is NOW OPEN and this is not an April Fool's joke! 

Since the pandemic started, the tourism industry had been greatly affected by the closure of many tourist destinations. The Lake Danao Natural Park - Protected Areas Management Board (LDNP-PAMB) saw it wise to mitigate the spread of the virus by closing down our eco-tourism site. The Technical Working Committee of PAMB did a proactive decision to come up with a Health & Safety Protocol/Guidelines in line with the DOT CO and DOT RO8 H&S Protocols and Health and Safety Guidelines at Protected Areas prior to reopening of a tourism site. 

Here are the new Guidelines & Protocols for the Operation of Tours, Ecotourism Activities & Visits in Protected Areas (PA) under the New Normal in Region 8:

1. Online Pre-Booking/Reservation Policy will be implemented. Inquiries and reservations can be done via official mobile phone or online thru official email add and official FB page of the LDNP on Areas and Facilities intended to be visited or rented respectively thru the PASu and official LDNP representative.
   
   
2. All LDNP Visitors & guests are required to secure Visitor’s Entry Permit from the PASu office prior to the visit. Permit can be secured online from the LDNP Office thru the PASu.  Form to be posted at official LDNP websites & Official LDNP FB page. 
   
   
3. LDNP shall be opened to the public starting the date approved by its PAMB and subject to approve guidelines by the IATF on the community quarantine status in the locality.
   Note: The Park hours shall be from 7:00am to 4:00pm daily.
   Park Rest week shall be in August the 2nd week of August. 
   
   
4. All LDNP Visitors and guests are required to present the approved confirmed on-line booking at the entrance booth.
   *Visitors below 21 yrs. old and those who are 60 yrs. old and above shall not be allowed to enter the LDNP. (IATF Omnibus Guidelines & General Quarantine Item No. 3. Or until otherwise lifted by the IATF, RIATF, or the City LCE of Ormoc City.
   
   
5. The new Carrying Capacity limit of Seventy-Five (75) persons at a time per day shall be strictly observed at the LDNP.
   (Consistent with the intent of IATF Omnibus Guidelines, the PA can accommodate half of the average no. of visitors per day.)
   
   
6. All LDNP Visitors and guests shall submit to Temperature check at the Entrance Booth. Park Visitors and guests with temperature reading of 37.5 °C and above shall not be allowed to enter LDNP. 
   
   
7. All vehicles are required to park at the designated parking areas.
   
   
8. All LDNP Visitors & guests are required to observe the following Health and Safety Protocols:
   a) Wearing of mask at all times.
   b) No mask, no entry.
   c) Practice physical distancing (at least 1 meter apart)
   d) Regular washing and sanitizing of hands (Alcohol dispensers are available at the entrance booth).
   e) Bring back their own trash (trash bag shall be provided).*
   f) No bringing/drinking of alcoholic drinks*
   g) Strictly no smoking*
   *per city ordinance
   
   
9. All LDNP facilities open for use or rental (ex. Kiosks, floating rafts, camping station, etc.) shall observe the maximum of 50 percent allowed visitors per facility except for safe family bubbles.
   Wearing of masks & physical distancing shall still be observed even while inside a LDNP facility.
   
   
10. All LDNP Visitors and guests are requested to bring their own food or access take-out/food delivery service and to use eco-friendly packaging of food.  A drop-off and pick-up point shall be designated at the activity area.
    
    
11. Companies/networks/professional filming who will be conducting commercial filming shall be required to send a request letter in advance stating the schedule and the number of people involved in the filming activity. The request may be sent online to PASu.
    
    
12. Only DENR/DOT/PAMB Accredited Tour Operators/Service Providers shall be allowed to operate the facilities inside PA.
    
    
13. LDNP personnel & employees shall be subject to rapid testing per IATF Health & Safety Guidelines.

In addition to the park's facilities besides the floating cottages, view deck, and picnic grounds are the pavilion or the social hall and open-air convention area plus the new Ecolodge for guests who prefer not to stay in tents at the campsite.

There are six (6) different rooms for day or overnight use: 

Three (3) rooms are DORMITEL/DORMITORY types. 

• Two (2) rooms are good for 8 pax with double-decker beds - Php 1,600/room
• One (1) room is good for 6 pax with double-decker beds - Php 1,200/room 

One (1) FAMILY SIZE room is good for 4 pax (max) - Php 600/room

Finally, there are two (2) more STANDARD rooms:

• SINGLE type - Php 400/room
• DOUBLE type - Php 500/room

They also have clean comfort rooms/restrooms. Daily rates are quoted for each room type as above.

Please take note of the Entrance Fee of Php 50 per person. You can contact +63 946 480 1393 for bookings and reservations at the Lake Danao Natural Park in Ormoc City. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the guidelines, please look for Ms. Merlyn Barte, the  DENR Protected Area supervisor or reach out to the LDNP-PAMB.

And always remember this when you go to our Lake Danao Natural Park:

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.